Dietary Supplementation Habits and Perceptions of Supplement Use Among Elite Finnish Athletes

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anni Heikkinen ◽  
Antti Alaranta ◽  
Ilkka Helenius ◽  
Tommi Vasankari

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of dietary supplement (DS) use among elite Finnish athletes in 2002 and 2009. In 2009, the authors also wanted to examine the reasons for athletes’ DS use, whether athletes feel they have experienced benefits from their supplement use, and whether athletes had had an opportunity to consult dietary specialists. Cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2002 and 2009 among Finnish Olympic athletes. Data were collected using semistructured questionnaires, mainly in national team camps. The study population in 2002 was 446 athletes, and in 2009 it was 372. The number of DS users was high in both study years (81% in 2002 and 73% in 2009). Vitamin D consumption was low in both 2002 and 2009 (0.7% and 2.0%, respectively). An increase was found in consumption of omega-3 fatty acids between study years (11% in 2002 and 19% in 2009; p = .002), and their regular use nearly doubled (8% and 15%, p = .002). For vitamin and mineral users, the main reason for DS use was to prevent nutritional deficiencies, and for nutritional supplement users the main reason was recovery from exercise. Only 27% of all athletes and 30% of DS users had an opportunity to consult dietary specialists in 2009. This survey shows that supplementation rates among elite Finnish athletes are high and there may be over- and underuse of some micronutrient supplements. There is a need for professional nutritional counseling among national elite athletes.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Paulik ◽  
E Horváth ◽  
A Szabó ◽  
E Polanek ◽  
Z Gyurkovits ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Dietary supplements are recommended for pregnant women who cannot meet the daily dose through food intake, or who are at higher risk of deficiencies because of a substance abuse (e.g. smoking). Today, the preventive effect of folic acid (FoA) in the periconceptional period is evidence based, and there are studies about the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs) during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the association between FoA and n-3 FAs supplementation and health behavior - diet, physical activity, smoking - of pregnant women. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted among women having their babies at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (N = 1548). Data collection was based on self-administered questionnaire and health documentation. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with IBM SPSS 26.0; the results are expressed in odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Mean age of women was 31 years, most of them had university degree, nearly 90% of them lived in partnership. The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was 6.5%, 39.8% did not consume fruits/vegetables daily, 58.5% ate fish less than weekly, 47.9% were physically inactive; 67.6% took FoA, and 30.6% n-3 FAs. FoA and n-3 FAs taking were more likely among those who ate fruits and vegetables every day (OR/CI: 1.30/1.01-1.66; 1.47/1.15-1.89) and among non-smokers (OR/CI: 1.73/1.06-2.83; 4.80/1.69-13.61), while FoA consumption associated with physical activity (OR/CI: 1.37/1.07-1.74) and n-3 FAs with fish consumption (OR/CI: 1.35/1.06-1.72). Conclusions Our results showed that a high proportion of pregnant women did not follow a healthy lifestyle, and the unhealthy behavior was significantly associated with the less frequent use of dietary supplementation. The results call the attention for the importance of counseling on healthy lifestyle and appropriate supplement use before and during pregnancy. Key messages Use of dietary supplementation is higher among pregnant women following a healthy way of lifestyle. The results reinforce the importance of lifestyle counseling during pregnant care.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juçara X. Zaparoli ◽  
Eduardo K. Sugawara ◽  
Altay A.L. de Souza ◽  
Sérgio Tufik ◽  
José Carlos F. Galduróz

Background: High oxidative stress, which is caused by smoking, can alter omega-3 fatty acid concentrations. Since omega-3 fatty acids play a role in dopaminergic neurotransmission related to dependence, it is important to understand their effects on nicotine dependence. Methods: This research comprised 2 studies. The first one consisted of a cross-sectional evaluation, in which the levels of the most important omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were compared between smokers and non-smokers in a sample of 171 individuals; of them, 120 were smokers and 51 were non-smokers. The other study was a clinical, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, in which 63 smokers received daily treatment with capsules of fish oil (a source of omega-3/3 g/day) or mineral oil (used as placebo, also 3 g/day), taken 3 times a day for 90 days. Each fish oil capsules contained approximately 210.99 mg EPA and 129.84 mg of DHA. The outcome was evaluated by means of psychometric and biological measures as well as self-reports of tobacco use. The evaluations were carried out at the beginning of treatment and once a month thereafter (total of 4 times). Outcomes: The omega-3 fatty acid lipid profile showed that smokers present lower concentrations of DHA. After treatment, the omega-3 group showed a significant reduction in their levels of dependence. Interpretation: Smokers showed lower peripheral levels of omega-3, and treatment with the most important omega-3 fatty acids brought about a reduction in nicotine dependence.


2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1238-1247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula J Robson ◽  
Geraldine Lo Siou ◽  
Ruth Ullman ◽  
Heather E Bryant

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the extent to which differences in sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics exist between users of different types of dietary supplements and supplement non-users.DesignWe analysed cross-sectional data obtained from self-administered questionnaires completed at baseline by participants in The Tomorrow Project; a prospective cohort study in Alberta, Canada. Participants who used at least one type of dietary supplement at least weekly in the year prior to questionnaire completion were defined as supplement users, while the remainder were classified as non-users. Seven discrete user categories were created: multivitamins (+/− minerals) only, specific nutritional supplements only, herbal/other supplements only, and all possible combinations. Differences in sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics between different groups of supplement users and non-users were analysed using Rao–Scottχ2tests and multinomial logistic regression.Subjects and settingSubjects were 5067 men and 7439 women, aged 35–69 years, recruited by random digit dialling throughout Alberta.ResultsSupplement use was extensive in this study population (69·8 %). Users of herbal/other supplements only, and women who used multivitamins only, tended to report dietary and lifestyle characteristics that were not significantly different from non-users. In contrast, those who reported using a combination of multivitamins, specific nutritional and herbal/other supplements were more likely than non-users to report behaviours and characteristics consistent with current health guidelines.ConclusionsDichotomizing participants as supplement users or non-users is likely to mask further differences in sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics among users of different types of supplements. This may have implications for analysis and interpretation of observational studies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
Famimah Famimah ◽  
Ani Margawati ◽  
Deny Yudi Fitranti

Background: Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain was a gynecological complaint due to an imbalance of progesterone in the blood resulting in pain. A woman with dysmenorrhea should consume food rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring), soybeans and fruits. Low fish consumption was related with severity of dysmenorrhea. In addition, physical activity and percent body fat were also associated with severity of dysmenorrhea.Objective : To determine the correlation between consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, physical activity and percent body fat to the classification of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.Methods : Cross sectional study of 90 adolescentsselected by purposive sampling. This research was conducted in SMA N 15 and SMA N 9 Semarang. Menstrual history was measured by direct interviews and level of dysmenorrhea was measured using Numerical Rating Scale Questionnaire. Omega-3 fatty acids were measured using Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and analyzed using a nutritional software program. Physical activity was measured using A short questionnaire for the measurement of habitual physical activity in epidemiological studies. Percent body fat was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Data were analyzed by Independent T test/Mann Whitney. Result : There were significant correlation in omega-3 fatty acid (p= 0,015), and percent body fat (p= 0,026). While in physical activity there was no significant correlation (p= 0,394).Conclusion : Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and percent body fat were associated with the classification of dysmenorrhea.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica C. Serra

Background. Despite evidence that many of the consequences of stroke that hinder recovery (i.e., obesity, muscle atrophy, and functional declines) have nutritionally modifiable behavior components, little attention has been focused on the significance of nutrition beyond the acute phase of stroke.Objective. This literature review summarizes the evidence for and against the influence of nutrition on optimal recovery and rehabilitation in chronic (>6 months) stroke.Results. The literature, which is mainly limited to cross-sectional studies, suggests that a suboptimal nutritional status, including an excess caloric intake, reduced protein intake, and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly the B-vitamins, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids, may have deleterious effects on metabolic, physical, and psychological functioning in chronic stroke survivors.Conclusions. Careful evaluation of dietary intake, especially among those with eating disabilities and preexisting malnutrition, may aid in the identification of individuals at increased nutritional risk through which early intervention may benefit recovery and rehabilitation and prevent further complications after stroke.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley Baker ◽  
Bianka Probert ◽  
Diane Pomeroy ◽  
Julia Carins ◽  
Katie Tooley

Dietary supplements (DSs) and nutritional supplements (NSs) can enhance performance, recovery or training adaptations, however, some substances, dosages, and usage protocols are unsafe. Knowledge of the type and extent of use within populations enables strategies to be formulated to promote safe and effective use (where needed) and to avoid adverse side effects. The purpose of this study was to understand DS and NS use by active-duty Australian soldiers. Surveys were distributed by e-mail and hard copy to eligible participants (n = 23,195). Respondents (males n = 1833; females n = 296) comprised 9.3% of the total population. Use of ≥1 DSs/week was reported by 76.4% of males and 86.8% of females, and use of ≥1 NSs/week was reported by 21.7% of males and 20.9% of females. The most commonly used supplements were protein or amino acids (55.6%), multivitamins and minerals (38.2%), other DSs (37.8%), individual vitamins and minerals (33.0%), and combination products (32.8%). Logistic regression revealed the number of DSs respondents used simultaneously was significantly different between males and females, age groups, BMI ranges, and body weight actions. Engagement in special operations was a significant predictor of the use of any DS, individual vitamin and minerals and multivitamin and minerals. Approximately 16% of regular DS users reported experiencing one or more side effects, with the most common being palpitations (10.6%), tingling or numbness in the face, fingers, arms, or legs (5.5%), tremors or shaking (2.9%), flushing (2.3%), headache (2.0%), abdominal pain (1.6%), anxiety (1.4%), and dizziness or confusion (0.9%). The results revealed more prevalent use of several categories of DSs and NSs among some subgroups. Ongoing surveillance of DS and NS use is important for tracking trends in use over time and gauging the effectiveness of any strategies employed to enhance the quality of supplement use.


2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Goodfellow ◽  
Michael F Bellamy ◽  
Mark W Ramsey ◽  
Christopher J.H Jones ◽  
Malcolm J Lewis

2010 ◽  
Vol 236 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale A. Fritsch ◽  
Timothy A. Allen ◽  
Chadwick E. Dodd ◽  
Dennis E. Jewell ◽  
Kristin A. Sixby ◽  
...  

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